Leeds United
Leeds United are back in action this weekend as they face Aston Villa in the Premier League. There are 12 games left and the battle for survival will only grow more intense.
The Whites beat Birmingham City last weekend and have now progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup where they will face Norwich City. Leeds have a tough game away to Aston Villa this weekend; Unai Emery’s side are one of the best teams at home in the Premier League. Villa have won 28 points at home this season, only Manchester City and Arsenal have won more.
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Updated: February 20, 2026 | 2025/26 Premier League Season
Emery’s side are currently in the fight to make the European places, which will not make the game on Saturday any easier for Leeds United.
Team news ahead of Aston Villa clash
The biggest news ahead of this weekend’s clash is that Noah Okafor has been ruled out for weeks with a hamstring injury. The winger went down in the FA Cup game against Birmingham City and had to be substituted. Outside of that, Daniel Farke revealed a lot of positive news with many players set to return to action this weekend.
Pascal Struijk will return, alongside Anton Stach and Dan James. Stach and Struijk returning to the lineup will be a huge boost, as will Dan James, who has been in and out of the team all season.
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Leeds United predicted XI vs Aston Villa
With the return of many familiar faces, the Whites will have a much different lineup to the team that played against Birmingham City. Karl Darlow is expected to continue in goal with Lucas Perri still now having Daniel Farke’s trust. Struijk will slot right back into the heart of the defence, with James Justin expected to move back to right wing back. In midfield, Farke will most likely use his trusted trio of Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
Up top, Brenden Aaronson is expected to partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who only returned to action against Birmingham City. Lukas Nmecha will have to settle for a place on the bench for the former Everton man.
Predicted Leeds United XI vs Aston Villa: Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Stach Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin